The Christian's Journey #17

In Comparison to Israel's Journey from Abraham to the Promised Land)

Gilgal

Text: "That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God forever." Joshua 4:24

Introduction: After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, Israel finally entered the Promised Land. Their first encampment was Gilgal, and here Israel took time to remember with some distinct actions.

1. The Account: Joshua 4 & 5
2. The Details: Gilgal means "wheel; rolling; heap"
• Here is where the children of Israel entered into the Promised Land.
• Three events took place: heaping of stones from Jordan River, circumcision of those born in the wilderness, and first Passover Feast in the Promised Land.
3. The Application: Israel's actions had a particular purpose to help them remember particular things.
• heap of stones: Joshua 4-built so they could remember and testify of how God divided the waters of the Red Sea and the Jordan River; for future generations to see what God had done so they could believe what God can still do.
• circumcision: Joshua 5:1-9 to remember how God had rolled away the reproach of Egypt.
• Passover Feast: Joshua 5:10-12 to remember God's deliverance form Egypt.
4. The Recommendations:
• We as Christians must remember how the Lord has fitted us together as the Church for His purpose and His glory. Eph 2:20-22.
• We must remember God's grace. This will help us to consecrate ourselves to purifying by His Spirit. Col 2:11, Rom 2:28-29.
• We must remember that at salvation, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, purged the old lump to make all things new. With His blood, we are remitted of our sins, old things pass away, all things become new. 1 Cor 5:6-8, Jn 1:29, 1 Pet 1:19, Heb 9:22

Remember. . . 

1. What the Lord has done with you in His church?
2. What God's grace has helped you "circumcise" from your heart to be closer to Him?
3. What He has made new in your life because of Salvation?

Conclusion:

When you reach any kind of "Promised Land" in your life, take action?

To remember Who God is and what He has done, to remember forsaking the world for His sake, and to remember His provision of grace and mercy available each and every day.

GB Essie